[Israel is making provocative moves against Lebanon and Hezbollah to put pressure on Hezbollah to remove its forces from the Syrian civil war. The West makes statements threatening Hezbollah for its involvement in Syria yet they say little about the Sunni Islamists who have come from all over the Arab world to fight against the Assad regime. Hezbollah is warned to stay out, yet Turkey, the Gulf states, and Israel are all involving themselves in the conflict. Such is the double standard. — NP]

The National News Agency says the warplanes flew over southern Lebanon, Beirut, the eastern Bekaa Valley and the city of Baalbek.

Israeli warplanes regularly enter Lebanese airspace. A security official confirmed the Sunday overflights and said they were among the most intense recently. He spoke on condition of anonymity in line with military regulations.

There was no immediate comment from Israel.

The flights come amid heightened regional tensions because of the civil war in Syria.

Israel is believed to have carried out three airstrikes inside Syria this year said to be aimed at weapons meant for the Lebanese Hezbollah.